Written by the Lost Anchovy 12. 17.2019
Introduction
The great thing about Kayak Fishing is meeting people and getting to know the community. I stated this as my #1 reason to get into kayak fishing today. I felt this way 10 years ago — I feel this way today.
It’s hard to get into Kayak Fishing in Central and Northern California without talking or writing about the great events that surround this sport and the comrade that builds around it. Although there are many notable events these are ones that i consider “must” attend.
Before attending or registering for these events, check in with the event director to see if there are any restrictions for registering (e.g. understanding safety and state game regulations, exclusive club events, invitation only). These are popular community events, and tournament directors have ultimate say over the rules governing participation.
So let’s get started!
Give Me Shelter
Let’s jump straight into the Tournament that started it all, and still going strong after nearly a decade later. Give me Shelter is the annual kayak fishing tournament held in Shelter Cove California each year.
The tournament director is Eric Stockwell, a local kayak-fishing guide in Humboldt County and nature enthusiast. Give me shelter is not about big prizes and heated competition. It is far from that. It is an event that is focused on family, community and sharing the love of all things kayak fishing
TLA Protrip: All tournaments are packed with food, friends and shinanagans. Make sure you bring your event prison plates to make life easier for yourself. Hahah be warned!! You can thank me later.
Targeted Species include: Rock Fish, King Salmon, Sole, California and Pacific Halibut, surf perch and filthy lingcod.
When: Early March - April
Where: Shelter Cove, California
Accommodations: Shelter Cove Campgrounds, Tides Inn
Albion Open
Originally started as the “Elk” fishing tournament, Albion has transformed into one of the most anticipated kayak fishing events in Northern California. The Albion open is a trademark NCKA event that captures all the right elements: Fishing, community, prizes and bragging rights.
Once a year the kayak community descends on this remote part of the north coast to bring the party, celebrate the sport, catch fish and COOK! Albion is known to have many large species including: Rock Fish, Lingcod, King Salmon, Halibut, Dungeness crab, and Abalone (closed)
Target: Species: Rock Fish
When: July
Where: Albion California
Accommodations: Albion Campgrounds
Simply Fishing
Getting back into the roots of Kayak Fishing this tournament twist is all about getting back to the basics: Kayak, fishing rod, a paddle; that’s it –nothing more and clearly nothing less. No batteries, no electric/gas motors, no Electronics – nada.
This tournament challenges anglers to complete in the most primal way and use their senses to sniff out fish without reliance on fancy technology. Participants are provided with a few lures that they can use to win the trophy.
Target: Species: Rock Fish
When: September
Where: Ocean Cove, California
Alameda Rock Wall Halibut Tournament
My tournament, my beloved halibut, my haiku to my spirit fish, the Alameda Rock Wall Halibut tournament is all about showing love to the California Halibut and kayak fishing community. This event is typically held in early June, when the California halibut migrate into the bay.
The tournament director is TLA, kayak fishing blogger, writer, youtuber, kayak fishing nut, and is co-sponsored by California Canoe and Kayak.
This event pits kayak anglers against one another in the battle to become the next King of the Wall. Although the event is focused on catching the largest halibut the greatest appeal is the community gathering after the event.
The Alameda Rock wall Halibut Tournament offers participants a great single day event that incorporates all the elements of a larger multiday tournaments: The fishing, the food, the community, prizes, and bragging rights!
Target Species: California Halibut
When: Early June
Where: Encinel Boat Ramp (Alameda, California)
Accommodations: N/A – Day event
Crab Fest
Feeling crabby? This event is for you!!! Crabfest is all about celebrating our friendly
Crustacean the Dungeness crab!! Crabfest is an annually event held in bodega bay (Doran Beach), and his organized by Victor Woolworth, avid kayak anglers and NCKA original.
Doran beach offers beginners a safe place to learn kayak crabbing. There is a simple beach launch with the crabbing grounds a short paddle or peddles away, and with a great community, beginners to advance can feel safe in the company of seasoned anglers.
Note: Unfortunately, and understandably so, Crabfest is not open to the general public and is a NCKA exclusive event. Those wishing to attend can register for a free norcalkayakanglers account and join the community.
Target Species: Dungeness Crab (Largest Crab wins)
Where: Doran Beach, Bodega Bay
When: January
Accommodations: Doran Beach Campgrounds
Noteable Mentions
There are lots of events that span through out the year. This is exciting because it shows how fast this sport is growing. Here are also a few notable mentions if you are looking to join the fun. Not all are tournaments with prizes, but all offer a great opportunity to network and meet like minded people.
- Cambria Slam Down
- Open Shelter
- MBK/Santa Cruz Fishing Derby
- Trinidad Rock Wars
- A-hulls Fish and Chill
- Berryessa Fish and Chill
Conclusion
Tournaments are fun and they are a great place to build relationships that extend beyond kayak fishing. I choose these five, because they incorporate the best of central and northern California kayak fishing: Catching fish, Cooking fish, and Comrade. I hope to see you out there. Good luck and tight lines — TLA